Ayurvedic Anise and Cardamom Tea

Do you enjoy herbal tea?
This herbal tea is not only soothing, but good for your digestion.

This Ayurvedic herbal tea blend is tasty, aids the digestive system, and is relaxing. It is made from anise seeds and green cardamom pods that can be purchased in bulk at a reasonable price in any Indian grocery store. Anise and cardamom pods ( not ground) can also be purchased in some supermarkets in the spice isle, but be prepared to pay a higher price than in an ethnic store.

I live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania directly across the river from where the historical Battle of Trenton was fought against the British during the American Revolutionary War. In 1775, George Washington set up headquarters on many properties throughout Bucks County to plan that very battle. One of his headquarters, known as Headquarter's Farm, is an historic site that was later sold to private investors.

Purchase anise seeds and green cardamom pods at an Indian Grocery Store or supermarket

You may be wondering what George Washington and the Battle of Trenton  have to do with this herbal Tea.

Well, In the 1980's,  the carriage house at  George Washington's Headquarter's Farm was home for a year to my good friend Vicki. It was there at Headquarter's Farm that I was first introduced to this aromatic Ayurvedic tea.

Vicki had an historic rustic kitchen and loved to make things from scratch. This tea was an Ayurvedic herbal blend that she learned in her many travels to India. Until this day, whenever I visit Vicki, we always enjoy good conversation and a cozy cup of her homemade anise and cardamom tea.

Are cardamom and anise seeds healthy? You bet..
Spices  are very rich sources of vital nutrients and antioxidants. Cardamom provides calcium, iron, magnesium , phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Cardamom also has small amounts of Vitamin C, B6, B1, B2, Niacin, and folate. In addition, anise seeds provide vitamins B complex, C, potassium, calcium, iron,  and sulfur. Spices and herbs are powerhouses of immune building antioxidants and nutrients.

The tea is very easy to make. All you need is a small pot and strainer ( or you could use a tea ball- I didn't)

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon anise seeds
6 pods of green cardamom, crushed to expose inner seeds
4 cups water ( some of the water will boil out)

Directions:

Place the water, anise seeds, and cardamom in a small pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 7 minutes. Shut off the heat and allow to steep for about 5 more minutes. Strain and serve hot.
Add a little organic raw honey or a good quality liquid stevia to your cup if you like a sweet tea.

Enjoy.. this tea is soothing to the stomach, aids digestion, and the taste and aroma surpasses any tea you could brew from a tea bag.

Step by Step with Pictures

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  Fill a mesh tea holder with 1T anise seeds and 6 cardamom pods ( crushed) ; Add to 4 cups water in to a small pot or do what I do : just put the herbs in the water loose, follow the directions, and use a small strainer to strain before drinking.

  
  

 Bring to a boil, turn off heat,  and then let it sit for about 7minutes; 
Strain and drink


Add honey if you like it sweet or drink it just the way it is...

Ayurvedic Cardamom and Anise Tea 

You can purchase cardamom pods ( organic) online; Cardamom pods

I buy : Cardamom Pods Whole Organic - 2 oz 

I buy  : Spicely Organic Anise Seeds Whole - EcoBox - Gluten Free - Non GMO - Vegan - Kosher

                                                             This is cute:   Anise Seed Tin